It’s no secret that Infiniti has been struggling the last few years, but not all is lost. Infiniti is working on a new plan, which will see a new direction for the brand. Infiniti chairman Peyman Kargar has revealed some of these plans, which includes the 2024 QX80 being the start.
Infiniti has seen its sales decline over the past few years as its models have aged without any updates. In 2018 Infiniti announced that it will eventually switch to a fully electric lineup, but Infiniti has already missed the deadline it set for its first EV. Speaking to Automotive News, Kargar revealed a three-phase plan.
The first phase is already completed and it centers around restructuring and recovery. This has helped improve Infiniti’s profits. Phase two has already started and will be completed by March 2026. Phase two focuses on a new design language, which will debut with the new QX80, which is slated to arrive in late 2023 or early 2024.
Kargar says that the next-generation Infiniti QX80 will distance itself from the Nissan Armada, since Infiniti wants its big SUV to be more competitive with models like the Cadillac Escalade and Lexus LX.
Infiniti is also working on rebranding, which will see its dealers get a refresh with a special “brand scent” and “sound signature.”
Phase three of the plan will focus on electrification and the introduction of new models. An electric sedan is expected to replace the Q50 in 2025, which will then be followed by an electric crossover. Infiniti may also add a smaller electric crossover to its lineup, in addition to an electric coupe-like SUV that’s about the same size as the QX60. Infiniti expects that most of its sales will come from electric vehicles by the end of the decade.